Muhammad Zamir

Muhammad Zamir, Former Ambassador and International Relations Analyst : The Rohingya crisis can be resolved if Myanmar is pressurized in two ways. One, the way US imposed economic sanctions on North Korea, blocking remittance and other economic aid. The whole world should sanction Myanmar in the same manner, blocking all economic activities, even though the World Bank has already postponed most projects. If the world adopts such preventive measures, we would get closer to a solution to the Rohingya crisis.
We did whatever we could from our part, but the rest of the globe could do more.Donald Trump, Justin Trudeau, etc are busy with meetings. If they put more time and effort into this and are sincere in their motives, something positive might happen. It is very possible that there might be some progresses within August or September regarding the Rohingya issue, but nothing before that.
The refugees found shelter here because Bangladesh is a nation that believes in human rights. In stark contrast, developed nations of the world have closed their doors to the displaced and exiled. The UN chief praised Bangladesh in this case, saying our nation opened its heart to the homeless masses, standing by them in their time of need. The whole world should recognize the importance of this matter and come forward and do something.
The UN secretary-general, World Bank president and Red Cross Chairman, recently visited Bangladesh and observed first-hand the severity of the refugee situation. Myanmar had also signed an agreement with the UNHCR. Myanmar police chief had also visited Bangladesh a few days ago and met the home minister. Our foreign minister also had a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, where they discussed the ongoing situation about the refugee crisis. But overall, the developments that have taken place are not unexpected.
Describing the flow of events, we are trying to draw the world’s attention regarding the Rohingya repatriation as best as we can. We are requesting the international community’s help in situations where we are facing obstacles, especially to put pressure on Myanmar to take back the refugees. I am requesting all to come forward and stand beside the Rohingyas because this is not just an issue for Bangladesh. No, this is an international issue. The whole world should take responsibility for it.
Based on an interview by Ashiq Rahman, translated by Abrar Hussain